It was only two days ago that Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press wrote in her Red Wings mailbag that the Wings had offered Petr Mrazek to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 3rd round pick. And the Flyers declined.

Petr Mrazek is not drawing interest – he was offered to Philadelphia after the Flyers lost Brian Elliott last week (he’s out five-to-six weeks) for an asking price of a third-round pick and the Flyers declined (source)

Losing Brian Elliott was a blow to the Flyers, no doubt, especially in the heat of the playoff race that they’re in. But they had Michal Neuvirth to fall back on. With a winning record (8-7-3) in the 18 games that he started and a .915 save percentage this season, they had confidence that he could fill the gap until Elliott made his return.

Well, the worst happened for the Flyers in yesterday’s matinee match-up against their Division Rival New York Rangers. Late in the first period, Neuvirth went down with a lower-body injury and had to be pulled from the game. Though back-up Alex Lyon came in and turned away 25 of the Rangers 26 shots, he’s struggled in his previous three NHL performances.

Looked like the Flyers were suddenly on the market for a goalie. Enter: Red Wings.

This should come as no surprise, especially with HSJ’s mailbag report the other day. Detroit’s goalie situation is no walk in the park as they have $9+ million locked up in that department with Mrazek’s contract up at the end of this season. He’s a very movable piece for the Wings.

What will Detroit get in return? Well, I’m sure talks are going to start with a 3rd rounder, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the price has gone up now that Philadelphia is a little more desperate. Maybe the pick becomes a second rounder? Or maybe they’ll push for a mid-level prospect to come back with the 3rd rounder?

Whatever it is, hold onto your butts Red Wings fans because this trade deadline just got a little more interesting.